Christie Vetoes Bill to Legalize Internet Gambling

Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) vetoed a bill that would have made his state the first in the nation to legalize Internet gambling.

Gov Christie said he had been wrestling with “legal and constitutional concerns,” fearing the legislation could expand unregulated casino-style gambling throughout the state. “Nothing contained in the legislation would prohibit commercial establishments outside of Atlantic City, such as nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and amusement parks, from offering Internet gambling opportunities in order to attract patrons or customers,” Gov Christie said, “potentially leading to the creation of commercial gambling locations outside of Atlantic City.” In his veto message, Gov Christie also objected to a part of the law that would use some of the Internet gambling revenues to support the state’s horse racing industry, which he has insisted be cut off from public subsidies. The governor added that he did not believe that Internet gambling as envisioned in the bill was “a viable option for continuing the progress that we have made in reversing the fortunes of the casino industry in New Jersey.”